THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Beat the clock
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To finish something before the available time runs out.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- We worked together to beat the clock and submit the application.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
We worked together to ________ and submit the application.
Show the answer
Beat the clock — To finish something before the available time runs out.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Beat the clock” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To finish something before the available time runs out.
Compare: We worked together to beat the clock and submit the application.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when completing a timed task or trying to meet a deadline. It is lively and conversational.
More examples in context
- The class had ten minutes to solve the puzzle and beat the clock.
- She beat the clock by uploading the file seconds before the deadline.
Usage note
The focus is finishing in time. “Against the clock” describes working under time pressure, even when the result is not yet known.
A short conversation
A: Did you finish the challenge in time?
B: Yes, we beat the clock with twenty seconds left.
A: Good teamwork!
One more practice question
Which team beats the clock?
A. A team that finishes after the time limit has expired.
B. A team that completes the task before the time limit.
Check your answer
B. Beating the clock means finishing before time runs out.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.